14 DAY TRIAL // Even before the global launch of Windows Phone 7 last week, Microsoft had started offering users worldwide a new version of the Zune Software client, while indicating that the Zune services would be internationalized. But while Zune Software 4.7 was offered through the Microsoft Download Center ahead of the October 11 launch event for Windows Phone 7, the Redmond company had yet to clarify the details related to the international availability of Zune services.
However, KB 952586, an article designed to detail the availability of Zune by location has been refreshed, and it now contains information on the markets worldwide that the services built around the company’s digital media player have expanded to.
Users can also access the table included with this article in order to get an idea if Zune is available in their country.
According to Microsoft, Zune Software 4.7 is available to users in: the United States, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland, Portugal, Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Austria, Singapore, New Zealand, India, Hong Kong SAR, Australia and Brazil.
Zune Marketplace is offered in: US, Canada, Mexico, UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland, Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Austria, Singapore, New Zealand, India, Hong Kong SAR, and Australia.
Zune Social is live for users in: US, Canada, Mexico, UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland, Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Austria, Singapore, New Zealand, India, Hong Kong SAR, and Australia.
Zune.net can be accessed from the: US, Canada, Mexico, UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland, Portugal, Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Austria, Singapore, New Zealand, India, Hong Kong SAR, Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.
Zune is closely connected with Windows Phone 7 devices, a move which also prompted Microsoft to internationalize Zune services.
However, users outside of Canada and the US will not be able to buy Zune devices. I talked with a Microsoft employee just ahead of the Windows 7 launch and he confirmed that there’s no plan to bring Zune media players to users around the world.
Zune Software 4.7 is available for download here.
